According to a report presented by Strategic Partners Group (SPAG) Asia, India has emerged as the world's fastest-growing outbound market and in absolute numbers it is second only to China. The number of Indians travelling overseas is set to rise from around 15 million today to 50 million by 2020.

Seeing the trend, SPAG ASIA has presented the Q1 report that provides a view of the sector, insights on the trends and analysis of the key drivers. The report aims to highlight the different aspects of the outbound travel industry as well as provide direction for various players, ranging from tourism officers of various countries and destinations as well as travel and hospitality players to anyone who has interest in the sector.

Shivani Gupta, managing director, SPAG, said, “Indians have emerged as one of the largest groups both in terms of volume as well as overall value of spend in the outbound travel sector. It is a well known fact that the outbound travel industry in India is booming, and it is required for both the consumers and travel agents to have the insights about the industry.”

Commenting on the launch of the report, Gupta added, “The report provides latest trends in the sector as well as takes deep dive into segments that will lead this growth - who are these individuals, which part of India do they belong to, how do they seek information and what are key factors based on which they take decisions. The report covers all such aspects that any marketer of the sector would like to know.”

According to the report, 57 per cent Indians share their photos on social networks like Facebook and Twitter, a trend led by Malaysians. 54 per cent of Indians email/text photos to family/friends, followed by South Korea at 51 per cent and the US at 47 per cent. 34 per cent blog about their experience, sharing photos/videos, a trend led by South Koreans at 39 per cent.

Indians are among the most fun loving people when on vacation, with the highest percentage of any nationality being involved in various activities such as spa (47 per cent), playing volleyball (43 per cent), water sports (52 per cent) and running (65 per cent).

India has the second highest percentage of shopping lovers on vacation, with 76 per cent of people indulging in shopping while on vacation.

India stands third when it comes to enjoying nightlife/dancing, with 51 per cent of Indians going for it, led by Brazilians at 64 per cent and Mexicans at 57 per cent.

The top five activities that Indians indulge in at the beach include walking at 85 per cent, swimming-67per cent, running/jogging-65 per cent, people-watching- 62 per cent, and sunbathing at 53 per cent.

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